DND lists equipment needed to boost search, rescue operations

MANILA, Philippines - The defense department is preparing a list of equipment that could be acquired to boost the search and rescue capabilities of the military in the wake of the plane crash off Masbate that killed Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and two pilots.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the military needs sonar equipment and a remotely operated vehicle for underwater search and rescue operations.

“We are now assessing the equipment we lack and the equipment we need so that we can properly respond to disasters,” Gazmin said.

“I will show the list to the President and ask for his help so that he can support the procurement of these pieces of equipment,” he added.

Gazmin did not say how much is needed to buy the equipment but he said that the project is not too costly.

“We can afford to buy them. The training (of those who will use them) is also important so the equipment can be used properly when needed,” Gazmin said.

He said the search operations for Robredo and pilots Jessup Bahinting and Kshitiz Chand showed that the military should upgrade its search and rescue capability.

“We saw what we lack during the search and rescue operations for Secretary Robredo. We had to look for equipment somewhere else. But many people volunteered their services and their equipment,” Gazmin said.

The defense chief cited the need to train technical divers or those who could operate 200 feet underwater.

Last week, The STAR reported that Armed Forces chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa had ordered the Army to study the possibility of training Special Forces personnel to be technical divers.

Capt. Jerry Jaucian, diving team leader of the Special Forces Regiment, said the military leadership would determine if the proposal is sustainable.

A team of about four to 12 Army personnel may be dedicated to the endeavor. They are expected to complement the six technical divers of the Navy Special Operations Group (NAVSOG).

Technical divers could dive to depths of more than 150 feet. Unlike other divers who use compressed air and could dive up to about 130 feet, a technical diver uses tri-mix gases composed of nitrogen, oxygen and helium.

A technical diver needs special equipment that would sustain him in such depths.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) will recognize those who helped in the search for Robredo and who assisted the victims of the southwest monsoon.

The “Bakas Parangal” will be given to members of Task Force Kalihim and the agencies and private groups that displayed heroic acts during the onslaught of the southwest monsoon.

“They (awardees) are modern-day heroes who saved lives. Through this award, the people will be aware of their acts,” NDRRMC executive director Benito Ramos told The STAR.

Ramos said the word “bakas” or footprint symbolizes the positive imprint of rescuers who are ready to risk their lives for others.

Among those who will receive the award are the members of the NAVSOG and volunteer divers who retrieved the bodies of Robredo and Bahinting.

The members of the Philippine National Police maritime divers, Masbate Police Provincial Office, Bicol Scuba Technical Diving Group, the Malapascua divers, Coast Guard Special Operation Unit Bicol, Army Special Forces divers, Air Force 505th Search and Rescue Group and Bureau of Fire Protection 5 Special Rescue Unit would also be cited.

Maj. Gen. Eduardo del Rosario, the head of Task Force Kalihim, local officials of Masbate, and members of the Army’s 9th division will also receive the award.

Two soldiers and 72 government and private groups would also be honored for displaying heroism during the height of the southwest monsoon.

T/Sgt. Elmer Abo and Pfc. Sammy Bersabe will receive the Bakas Parangal ng Kagitingan for rescuing nine persons on board a rescue boat that capsized at the flooded Araneta Ave. in Quezon City last Aug. 7.